The Waldhaus - Banff

Overall

Food

Service

Atmosphere

Cleanliness

Price: between $$$$ 35- 45 per person and $$$$$ 45-55 per person    Would I go Back: Yes    
Fine Dining    Reservations: Highly Recommended
 

The Waldhaus is situated on the Banff Springs Hotel compound but is not attached to the hotel itself. The restaurant calls itself a “House in the Forest”.  It is Swiss and German fine dining at it's best. I've had other German cuisines that have more variety of selections but this restaurant defines fine dining.

As mentioned above do make a reservation as this is a very popular restaurant. It's also a good idea to call ahead because even though their website says open daily it does have seasonal closings.  If you are planning to go do try to book as early as possible. Like the Grizzly House it does get booked up weeks in advance. Also allow yourself time to relax and eat as most German cuisine goes it's not a quick bite affair, let alone this is a fine dining restaurant so everything is going to be paced.

The Waldhaus is built in 1927 and was used as a club house. It's on the hill right next to the golf course and Spray River. The atmosphere of the place is of an old hunting cottage with dark, rich wood paneling and a large fireplace. With the fireplace it has a cozy cottage feel if you go during the winter. This building is full of atmosphere with wood paneling, candles on the tables, dim lit dining area, and a big cozy fireplace it's sure to transport you to a more rustic time.

The service here is excellent. It is a prime example of fine dining service at it's best. When you arrive you are met promptly by the maitre d' confirming your reservation and takes you to your table. He/she also pulls out your chairs and sits you down. They also put your napkin on your lap, give you a run down of the menu and specials are suggested. A soummellier (wine steward) will come around as well to give you a run through of the wine selections and suggestions of wines to pair with your dinner.

The food is well presented and flavourful. The menu has a fondue section (Swiss cuisine) and a a la carte menu. I usually go to the Grizzly House for fondue and tend to go for the German selection of the menu at this restaurant. I like the Rocky Mountain Smoked Meat platter which has game meat and cheese pairing. The menu also changes along with their specialties. All of their selections are really delicious. You can see what their most recent menu by going online along with their wine selections. They also have a yummy dessert menu that is not available to view online though. :(


Aftermath: Really full, satisfied, and happy as it was a very stress free environment. That's how good the service is.